Morality not role of government

It is time for the government of this country to begin to work together to try to solve the many different problems that face us. These problems, on the federal level, do not include abortion, homosexuals, gay marriage or Christian principles. The issue of abortion was decided many years ago by the Supreme Court. Homosexuality is a private issue unless we want to go back hundreds of years. Gay marriage is a state issue, as seen in the recent elections. And Christian principles are not matters for legislation.

There are many who think that those who framed the Constitution based it on Christian principles. I suggest that they take the time to read the Constitution. It is very short and succinct. Religion is mentioned just twice: Article VI - "no religious Test shall ever be required as Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States"; and Amendment I - "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of."

The rest is about who the government is and how it works. It was very important to our forefathers that we not legislate morality. The factor of whose view of morality is put into law then comes into play.

These were people who were not many years removed from those who chose to leave Europe in order to practice their religion freely. The framers recognized the diversity of religious principles in our country even back then and wanted to ensure that no one would be persecuted for those beliefs. Hold any religious beliefs that you want. And I can hold any that I believe. No one can tell you how you must feel about abortion, homosexuals or gay marriage. But you have no right to tell me how to believe, either. So let us work together on the economy, education and health care. And if you want to bring Christian principles in, let us work with caring and compassion, and with the words "that which you do for the least of mine, you do for me" guiding us.

Linda Campbell

Monroe

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Morality not role of government

In the words of Isaiah, 'Come. Let us reason together.'It is time for the government of this country to begin to work together to try to solve the many different problems that face us. These